NEWTOWN, Conn. - As the smallest offering in the Long March line of launch vehicles, Long March 4s are typically used to launch remote sensing satellites into sun-synchronous orbits. This is an important market in China, as Beijing has focused on increasing its fleet of reconnaissance and meteorological satellites. In response, CZ-4 launch vehicle production has steadily increased over the past few years.
China has typically launched between one and two Long March 4s per year. However, beginning in 2010, that figure increased to four. In 2011, three more Long March 4s were launched. Four Long March 4s were also launched in 2012. Another six were launched in 2013. The steady demand for CZ-4s is being driven by China's need for sun-synchronous orbiting satellites. These satellites include CBERS remote sensing satellites, Yaogan reconnaissance satellites, and Fengyun meteorological satellites. China is expected to continue to take delivery of these satellites during the forecast period. To meet the demand to launch these satellites, CZ-4 production will continue through at least 2017.
The CZ-4 will continue to enjoy a steady manifest through the middle of the decade. However, by that point, China is expected to begin operating next- generation launch vehicles, such as the CZ-6 and CZ-7. These launch vehicles will replace older Long Marches, such as the CZ-4.
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